You MUST be reachable by email throughout the day, very well organized, and computer savvy.
You do not necessarily need to know how to run a regatta, although previous regatta attendance as a rower or spectator is helpful. We will train you.

You SHOULD be willing and able to commit to ALL THREE REGATTAS for the 2012 season.

• Head of the Colorado – October 29
• Heart of Texas Regatta – March 3-4
• Texas Rowing Championships – April 28-29

You MUST be willing to work extra-long hours in the weeks leading up to the regatta.
You will be first to arrive on site, and last to leave the day prior to each regatta, and each regatta day.
You will still be working the week post-regatta.

If, after reading all this, you are still interested, and you’d like to make a stipend of $1,000 per regatta, an opportunity for growth,* please email your resume and/or questions to Director@AustinRowing.org

*there is a chance that an individual who excels in this position may someday (when the new facility opens) become a part-time volunteer coordinator for ALL club activities, and not just ARC regattas.

Thank you!!

46 members of Austin Rowing Club traveled to Oklahoma City to race in the 2011 USRowing Masters National Championships on August 11-14. The club placed 6th out of 89 clubs in overall team points, and brought several Championship titles home to Texas.

Masters racing is based on age categories and boat class. Rowers can compete in their own age group, or in any category younger than their age group, across several different boat classes, from singles, to doubles, to fours, to eights. Austin Rowing Club members succeeded across the several categories and age groups.

ARC Director Sara-Mai Conway won the AA singles title (21 and older) and also won gold in the lightweight C double (46 and older) with ARC member Nancy Lee. ARC also won gold in the Women’s A Double, the Women’s AA Quad, the Women’s Club A Eight, and the Mixed A Eight. (Mixed boats are 50% women and 50% men).

The team points trophy is awarded based on the success of each club’s total entries. Austin Rowing Club finished in 6th place out of 89 rowing clubs from across the US, Canada, and France.

Anyone can learn to row, and it’s never too late! The oldest competitor at this year’s National Championships was 83 years young. For more information on rowing lessons, high school programs, and corporate rowing programs, visit AustinRowing.org

Austin Rowing Club celebrates its 30th anniversary this month.

Medals Won : 2011 USRowing Masters National Championships

Gold Medals
Women’s AA Single
Women’s A Double
Women’s Light C Double
Women’s AA Quad
Women’s Club A Eight
Mixed A Eight

Silver Medals

Men’s Light A Single
Women’s AA Double
Men’s Club D Quad
Men’s Club A Quad
Mixed A Quad
Women’s Club B Quad
Mixed E Quad
Women’s AA-B Four
Men’s Club C Eight
Bronze Medals

Women’s A Single
Men’s A Double
Women’s B Eight

Austin Rowing Club’s July Smackdown Regatta was a huge success. There were approximately 70+ athletes representing novice, intermediate and competitive crews. Below are some video highlights that we can all share with friends and family.

Remember this feeling gang .. welcome to the world of racing!

The scene before the slaughter!

Holy Shell vs. Blade Runners

Holy Shell took this heat!

Texas Heat vs. Rigger Mortis

Rigger Mortis took this heat!

Holy Shell vs. Rigger Mortis

Rigger Mortis wins the Novice Championship Belt

Dead Riggers vs. Crack Oars

Crack Oars wins the Intermediate Championship Belt

MASH-UP!

“this is going as fast as captain crunch is going” ~ EPIC!

Deadline: September 1, 2011

Austin Rowing Club needs t-shirt designs for the following three 2011-2012 regattas:

Head of the Colorado “Pumpkinhead” – 5000meter head race on October 29, 2011
Junior, Collegiate, Open, Masters

Heart of Texas Regatta – 1000meter race on March 3-4, 2012
(please incorporate the fact that it’s the 30th annual HoT!!)
Junior, Collegiate, Open, Masters

Texas Rowing Championships – 1000 meter race on April 28-29, 2012
Texas Crews only
Juniors, Masters, Dragonboats

Also – this year is the 30th birthday of Austin Rowing Club! You are welcome to submit a design for a special ARC 30th Anniversary Logo. This logo will be used on merchandise celebrating ARC’s 30th birthday!

Parameters:
Shirt designs can be any color shirt, up to 4 colors on the design.
Shirts must incorporate space to list sponsors on the back.
All designs must incorporate regatta name and regatta date or year.
All 3 designs should be submitted to Director@AustinRowing.org by September 1
You may choose to submit designs for one or all 3 regattas.

Prizes:
We may choose one or all of your designs!
Up to 3 winners will receive 2 free regatta shirts, an ARC Patagonia pullover,
and a $100 gift card to Whole Foods!!

Questions:
Please contact Director@AustinRowing.org with your questions.

Q: What does a training barge look like?
A : A training barge is like a double-wide 8-person rowing shell with a platform down the center that runs all the way from stern to bow.

Q. Does a barge need a launch?
A. Since the barge cannot capsize, it does not NEED a safety launch, although one will accompany it on most outings so the coach can get a different view of the rowers.

Q. Are the traffic patterns different for a barge?
A. No. All rowers on Lady Bird Lake should follow the same right-hand-rule traffic pattern, and the barge is as good a place as any to learn these rules.

Q. Is it deeper than a regular 8+ shell?
A. No. The barge is very similar to an eight-person rowing shell, yet far more stable, since it is wider, with a flat bottom.

Q. Does a barge need a coxswain?
A. The barge has a rudder in the stern to assist with steering. This can be managed by the coach, or by a coxswain.

Q. If you don’t need a launch, where are the coaches?
A. Coaches can walk up and down the platform and offer individualized attention to new rowers, or they can coach from a launch. Because a training barge is very wide, it is very stable, eliminating the “fear factor” for new rowers and allowing them to concentrate on proper technique and timing.

Q. Are the techniques the same for learning to row on the barge?
A. YES – this is what makes the barge so great! You learn rowing technique without having to worry about balance, making the transition to the eight much easier.

Q. How does the training barge fit in with ARC’s mission?
A. Our mission at ARC is to promote the sport of rowing in Texas particularly around our own communities. This Barge will be instrumental in helping make rowing available to a greater percentage of our community.

Q. What’s the difference between the Barge and a regular 8+ shell?
A. The barge is STABLE.

Our coaches will be able to teach proper rowing technique, including power application and timing, to all new students much more effectively and efficiently on a set boat. For example, a coach can take out eight brand new rowers on a windy day without a single volunteer and have a productive lesson. The barge also allows us to expand our audience to those who might not be ready to plunge right into a racing shell for a variety of reasons, including disabilities and age (both ends of the spectrum). Our ITR curriculum committee is working right now to incorporate the training barge into all Intro to Rowing and sessions.

A training barge also gives us much more flexibility in providing introductory rowing experiences for people who just want to get out on the water and try something new on a one-time basis. We are confident that once they try rowing, they will be hooked!

Q. Who is Emulex?
A. Emulex Corporation is a leader in converged networking solutions for the data center. Clients include Dell, HP, LSI, IBM, Compellent, Apple, Cisco, and Samsung. They are based in Costa Mesa, California, have multiple offices worldwide including remote employees located in Austin. Emulex employs nearly 1650 people worldwide. Visit www.emulex.com for more information.

Q. Why did Emulex decide to support ARC and purchase this barge?
A. ARC is part of Emulex’s broad “What’s in Your Community” public relations campaign. The company’s goal is to increase visibility and support the community through innovative sponsorships outside the technology realm. ARC’s partnership with Emulex includes branding rights on oars and the barge, which will be named after Emulex’s award-winning management framework, OneCommand. Emulex will also be a featured sponsor on all regatta marketing materials, including t-shirts and banners.

Q. Where does the training barge come from?
A. OneCommand was manufactured by Stillwater Design, based in Chelsea, Massachusetts. This is also the maker of ARC safety launches. Visit http://www.stillwaterdesign.com for more information.

Q. Who can take out the training barge?
A. Once OneCommand is delivered, all of our coaches will get to know her. Over time, ARC will train volunteer coxswains so that they too can use the barge for ITR and LTR lessons.

Q. Where will we store OneCommand?
A. OneCommand will be moored in the water along with the launches. She will be covered to protect her from the elements, and there will be bumpers to prevent scratches.

Q. Should OneCommand have a christening?
A. Absolutely! OneCommand’s christening will take place during the Head of the Colorado Regatta, Saturday, October 29. The Barge Committee is busy planning this special event, along with a series of pre-christening roll-out events. If you would like to help, please contact Lisa Allan (lisanallan@gmail.com)

Q. Will OneCommand be interviewed for the ARC blog?
A. Yes, of course. Along with a proper christening, she will also have an interview making her an official member of the ARC family. I’m sure she’ll have lots to say as she becomes and integral part of our family and culture – so stay tuned!

Q. How can I take a ride on the barge?
A. Volunteer for any learn-to-row outing, including outreach and corporate outings. If your crew would like to take it for a spin, you must make arrangements with the ARC Equipment Director.

Q. Why does it matter if the boat is stable or not, we have to learn how to set the boat anyway?
A. It’s much easier to learn how to set the boat AFTER you have overcome some of the anxiety of being on the water, and AFTER you know the basics of the rowing stroke. This allows for balance to be a skill that’s learned on it’s own, not an impediment to learning proper rowing technique.

Q. What programs get to use the barge?
A. Any program can use the barge under a coach’s supervision, although Intro to Rowing Classes and other beginner programs will have scheduling priority.

Q. It looks pretty cool, can we reserve it for other stuff if we want?
A. The barge is an ideal way to introduce rowing to your non-rowing friends, family, and co-workers. Contact Sara-Mai Conway for details on arranging a private learn-to-row session.

Q. Is the barge going to be another boat in the reservation system we can reserve? How does that work exactly?
A. Not initially. Please contact the ARC Equipment Director if you are interested in rowing the barge with your crew.

Q. Does the Barge use special oars?
A The barge has its own oars that are specially rigged because the barge is heavier and slower moving than an eight – however, these are the same C2 oars that all other crews use.

Q. Can we use the Barge oars for regular practices and regattas?
A. Yes, the barge oars will be available for general club use. However, because they are rigged differently, they may not be ideal for your crew. Please contact the Equipment Director prior to taking out the barge oars.

Q. Who came up with the name OneCommand?
A. Emulex collaborated with the ARC board on the name. As it turns out OneCommand is the name of a family of products Emulex manufactures and sells to OEMs, and customers worldwide.

Q. Do volunteers need special training on how to support the various outreach and training activities associated with the barge?
A. YES, ARC volunteers that are working with the barge will receive special training on how to best steer, and utilize the barge as a teaching tool.

Q. Where & how do I sign-up to support the Barge and its various outreach programs?
A. Just answer the next call for volunteers! You can sign up to volunteer for Intro to Rowing Classes, corporate and outreach programs on the ARC Online Scheduler. Just click the “Volunteer” tab after you have logged in as a member.

Q. I have some ideas about other outreach programs for the barge. Who do I tell?
A. Please share your ideas with Rob Johnson, ARC’s Outreach Director, or Sara-Mai Conway, ARC’s Director.

Q. This seems like a pretty cool thing, are there vary many of them around?
A. Although you will find barges at several boathouses around the country, ARC is very excited to be the only club in Texas with a barge!

KdH: Through conversation with Launch 2 we will come to know what it’s like to be one of the workhorses of Austin Rowing Club. We’ve spent many hours working together, old friend. What is the lifestyle of a wakeless launch?

Launch 2: [Spoken with a distinct Boston accent] We’re hard workers, through and through. You got your safety boat, coach boat and work boat all in one package. Oh, and I know most boats are called “she” but we’re all boys here in the wakeless world. Nothin’ against the ladies, though.

Marita drives Launch 2 with referee Lesley by the finish line crew at the 2007 Texas Rowing Championships

KdH: Truly. What is it about your design that makes you so special?

Launch 2: We’re cats–I mean, catamarans–which means we got two hulls for displacing our mass. Being wakeless means casting as little wake as possible. By reducing the wake on our lake it makes the water for rowers just swell. Hah, see what I did there? I may be working class but I still got the brains.

KdH: Sweet pun. So by the sound of your accent, I guess you’re from New England?

Launch 2: Born and raised in Chelsea, just outside of Boston. I was fab’d at the Still Water factory and brought here in 2004. I count thirteen other Still Water launches on this lake–we got six total at ARC–and they’re great company, and it’s been good times all around. You gonna tell ‘em my nickname, pal?

KdH: As you wish! Launch 2 is the designated regatta course installation launch–so he gets the dirty work of laying and removing 10,000 meters of steel wire rope twice a year, plus the grunt work of barging docks and other heavy materials around the lake. When working on race courses, Launch 2 is affectionately known as Mule.

Launch 2: It’s a badge of honor, and I relish the work. Hey, I heard a rumor about a big lady from Boston movin’ down here. What do you know, chum?

KdH: It’s true, a sister Still Water boat–a rowing barge–is making its way down to Texas this summer. She’s going to be living with you guys on the water and helping teach new rowers the way to rowing bliss. I believe her name is OneCommand.

Launch 2: Holy cats, with a name like that, she sounds like a handful. Ah well, we could use the company of a lady out here, and I can’t wait to meet her.

KdH: Given all you’ve seen while coaching and working for ARC, what is the best advice you can give our readers regarding their pursuits in rowing and life?

Launch 2: That’s easy. You don’t get a nickname like Mule working yourself to death. That helps nobody, and you always gotta look out for number one. Instead, you got to learn to work efficiently. Watch out for the big highs and lows life throws you, and go for consistency. Don’t be afraid to get dirty… and go Red Sox!

VERY early in the morning, Fit City blogger Pam LeBlanc came out in a quad with ARC President Camille Jobe, ARC Director Sara-Mai Conway, and ARC member Virginia Hoffman. She took to rowing right away, and we were even rowing all four, well, by the end of the 1 hour session. Here’s a gallery of photos from that first morning out on the water, thanks to Statesman photographer Jorge Sanhueza-Lyon.

We followed up that early AM row with another early morning later in the week, and got some great video of the Friday morning Club Crews out in action. Also, wonderful interview skills by our ARC members Regina Rogoff, Kyle de Haas and David Bradford!

All of it came together nicely in this article for the Statesman. Many thanks to our media director, Brock Sampson, for putting this together – and waking up early to take all those photogs out on the water. So much fun to see ARC taking up the front page of the Life section in this morning’s paper!

First, we showed We Are Austin‘s Jason that rowing is a great summer activity and a full body exercise. This was his second time in a rowing shell with us, so he picked it up again pretty quickly. Here’s video of ARC Director Sara-Mai Conway talking about the total-body benefit of rowing.

Later in the week, YNN Austin Active Now’s Julia Morales out on the water. Here’s the video of her testing things out in the double.

We Are Austin joined us again the following week for a full promo for National Learn to Row Day, and our first appearance on LIVE TV! Whew. Hunter Ellis took to rowing quickly, and we had fun testing things out in the double.

You know what would be awesome? If news organizations would let you embed video.

Those who enjoyed their brief introduction to the sport have the option of continuing with a month-long Intro to Rowing Class, or for high school students – ARC’s Junior Summer Camps.

Austin Rowing Club is a non-profit organization committed to providing low-cost and no-cost rowing programs to Austin residents. For photos from the event, check out the ARC Flickr page.

Now what?

What do I do after my Introduction to Rowing Class? I’ve learned some basics about boat and personal safety on and off the water. I now have reverence for equipment. I’ve also learned about rowing terminology and the basic rowing stroke. I’ve even had a chance to row in a team boat and scull several times! Shame on your ITR coach if this isn’t the case:-)

There are three options that I usually suggest to my students when their interest in rowing is at its peak, and I want their journey in rowing to continue with Austin Rowing Club:

1.Get on our Sub Listing for all existing and new crews out there

Club Crews are self-organized and self-selecting groups of members who row together at a certain day & time. Most Club Crews row weekday evenings at about 6:00 or 6:30 PM, or weekday mornings at 5:45 or 6:00 AM, or weekend mornings (or afternoons).

If you are looking for subs for your crew, or want to sub, or are looking for regular crew, this is the forum. This list is for communication among beginning and intermediate-level (i.e., non-competitive-level) rowers in ARC.Any members can form a Club Crew, whenever a boat is available and a qualified cox or quad-bow is on board.

When you have a crew together, you then need to name a Boat Captain, and select a crew name. Some names crews have used: Clean Sweep, POSH, Rojo’s, Rowing Stones, Rock ‘n Row, OarWhat?, Hull Raisers, Different Strokes, Dawn Patrol, Crew U, Rowed Rage, Rowed Hard, Crewzers, OARmageddeon, Odd Quad, Death Row, Brew Crew, Quad Zilla, Motley Crew, Rowtini’s, RowBots, Quad Almighty.

CLICK HERE to join this forum! As a reminder, you must be a member to sub for a crew, though;-0

By the way, members looking to get ‘checked’ out to row a single scull on your own, please attend a single scull clinic on Saturday and Sunday mornings!

2.Take the ITR-2 Advanced Level Classes

This class is for rowers who have COMPLETED the Intro to Rowing Course, but want to further develop their skills under the guidance of a coach in a class setting. The Rowing Skills course may be taken once, or multiple times. This course offers instruction in both sweep and sculling. 6 sessions per month. $125 for non-members, and $75 for members.

CLICK HERE for the next available class!

3.Take a private lesson with our most excellent coaches.

Our coaches are proven to get you on the water, and get you confident and fast quickly!

CLICK HERE to see all available times for our awesome private coaches!

Great! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to use this BLOG to ask!